Best First Campsites Honolulu Near Me

4worldlovers:
6:00 am to 6:00 pm Daily – Last entry at 4:00pm. Gates Close at 6:00 pm


The unique profile of Diamond Head (Lē‘ahi) sits prominently near the eastern edge of Waikiki’s coastline. Hawaii’s most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history. Diamond Head State Monument encompasses over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater.


This broad, saucer-shaped crater was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, explosive eruption that sent ash and fine particles in the air. As these materials settled, they cemented together into a rock called tuff, creating the crater, and which is visible from the trail in the park. Most of the vegetation and birds were introduced in the late 1800s to early 1900s.


The trail to the summit of Lē‘ahi was built in 1908 as part of O‘ahu’s coastal defense system. The 0.8 mile hike from trailhead to the summit is steep and strenuous, gaining 560 feet as it ascends from the crater floor. The walk is a glimpse into the geological and military history of Diamond Head. A concrete walkway built to reduce erosion shifts to a natural tuff surface about 0.2 mile up the trail with many switchbacks traversing the steep slope of the crater interior. The ascent continues up steep stairs and through a lighted 225-foot tunnel to enter the Fire Control Station completed in 1911. Built on the summit, the station directed artillery fire from batteries in Waikiki and Fort Ruger outside Diamond Head crater. At the summit, you’ll see bunkers and a huge navigational lighthouse built in 1917. The postcard view of the shoreline from Koko Head to Wai‘anae is stunning, and during winter, may include passing humpback whales.


Entry and parking reservations required for non-residents (as of May 12th, 2022) , plan accordingly.


The last entrance to hike the trail is at 4:00 pm. The gates are locked at 6:00 pm daily and all visitors must be out of the park by this time.

The park facilities on the crater floor of Diamond Head are fully accessible to those with disabilities. The hiking trail to the summit is not ADA accessible, it is very steep and uneven in some areas. The last 1/10 of a mile is all stairs and especially steep. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for your hike. Wear good walking shoes, bring water, and wear a hat and sunscreen.

Audio Tours Now Available! Click here to learn about our self-guided audio tour which focuses on the history, culture, geography, plant and animal life, and scenery at Diamond Head.

The Division of State Parks constructed the Diamond Head interpretive kiosk in 2000 to provide visitor services and house exhibits about the history and resources of the crater. With visitors to the park exceeding 3,000 people per day, Diamond Head is one of the most popular and heavily visited destinations in the state. Visitors have been interested for years in purchasing souvenirs and memorabilia of their experience at the park. Through a collaboration with Pacific Historic Parks, the kiosk was renovated in 2014 to not only provide visitor services but offer a venue for purchasing items related to Diamond head. You may now purchase Diamond Head themed merchandise through PHP’s online store!

We now offer a docent program for those looking to volunteer at the park!

Be at least 18 years old (unless with parental permission, needs to sign liability form before working)

Be able to make the necessary time commitment. Most programs require at least a 3 or 6-month commitment.

To register as a volunteer or arrange a field trip please click here -> Volunteer Program

4worldlovers: Aloha and welcome to the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation! We are responsible for the city parks all across the island of Oʻahu. From playgrounds to camp grounds, beach parks to botanical gardens, there is sure to be a facility near you. Enjoy a picnic at a regional park or lift some weights at a gym. Swim laps in a pool or ride the ramps at a skate park. It’s all yours!

4worldlovers: The following are affected by the new safety precautions. Staked canopies/tents, umbrellas, digging, sandcastle-building, and anything else that requires placing anything into the ground or digging are prohibited. Failure to comply with installation policies WILL result in eviction without refund and potential loss of Bellows AFS privileges (for up to one year), and/or debarment.

• CEDAR CAMPER CABINS, CABINS 155A, 155B, 156A, 156B, 232A, 232B, 233A, 233B, 234A, 234B, 235A, 235B, 240A, 240B, 241A, 241B, 242A, 242B, 243A, 243B, 246A, 246B, 249A, 249B

No staked canopies, tents, or umbrellas. Do not place anything that needs to go into the ground.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the nature of the reservations system, Lodging assignments are issued at check-in and you cannot be guaranteed a specific cabin. Please plan accordingly.

• MENEHUNE CAMPSITES ARE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. THIS AREA IS OFF-LIMITS TO ALL PERSONNEL. NO RESERVATIONS WILL BE TAKEN FOR THESE PROPERTIES.

• BEACH PAVILIONS: Staking canopies, tents, or bouncers is prohibited. Outside bouncers are prohibited. Please see Turtle Cove 2 weeks prior to your function for bouncer availability and rentals.

• BEACH AREA marked by the map. DO NOT allow pets to dig in the sand. No digging, scooping sand, building sandcastles, or umbrellas/tents/canopies that require staking into the sand/ground.

PROJECT STATUS: FIELD OPERATIONS TO COMPLETE AN INVESTIGATION LOOKING FOR MUNITIONS/UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE (UXO) CONSISTING OF DIGITAL GEOPHYSICAL MAPPING SURVEYS AND INTRUSIVE ANOMALY INVESTIGATIONS WAS COMPLETED IN AUGUST 2022. AS A RESULT OF THAT FIELD INVESTIGATION, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE MAY BE MUNITIONS/UXO WITHIN THE SUBSURFACE. VISITORS/WORKERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DISTURB THE GROUND SURFACE/SUBSURFACE AND MUST FOLLOW THE PRECAUTIONS STATED ABOVE.

EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 18, 2021: Bellows AFS will align with Air Force directives and begin the Trusted Traveler Sponsorship Program for daily visitor access. Please visit our Trusted Traveler page for more information. This new program will only affect daily access. Event and party rentals will continue to require Special Function Agreements when booking parties and special functions.

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: Bellows AFS has aligned its Entry Control Point access with Air Force directives by implementing ID scanning procedures to ensure the safety of all of our guests and resources. These procedures will require all patrons over the age of 18 to have their ID scanned upon entering the Bellows AFS front gate. These new procedures may cause slight delays in entry.